Page 65 of My Husband Problem

I realize that I should not focus on the fact that she thinks I’m hot, but it does take me a second to move past that.

As to the lesson…well, I guess she has proven that. To a degree. I don’t haveher. Not the way I’d love to. But what she doesn’t understand is that, above all else, I want her safe and happy.

“But then you married him,” Beckett says.

“I figured it was going to take a while. He’s been…entitled…for a long time.”

I feel my smile grow.“Entitled” equals “asshole” in her mind, I’m sure.

“You can still teach him lessons when you’re living thousands of miles away from him?” Lawson asks.

I continue to watch her. Is she going to admit thatthisis part of the lesson? That she’s here to drive me nuts? Does she even realize how crazy it makes me to have her so far away?

I stalk the town website just like my grandfather does. I also have notifications set for any mention of her hockey teams or players. I even made a deal with one of my favorite hockey journalists.

In exchange for Maggie focusing some coverage on Astrid’s new teams, I’ve given her more behind-the-scenes access to my organization and anonymously dropped her some leads on other stories in the league. It’s been a win-win-win. It’s given Astrid and her players more exposure. It’s also raised Maggie’s profile as more and more people follow the unique take on hockey. And, thankfully, it’s given me insight into what’s going on in Rebel that I wouldn't have had otherwise.

Astrid nods. “Oh yeah. I’m here to show him how hockeyshould be. To show the entire pro-league how it should be. To prove that diversity, gender equality, accountability, and a fan-focused approach all work.”

Lawson holds up his hands. “I’m on your side, boss.”

She shrugs and looks over at me. “Besides, I can do whatever I want. He basically lets me have my way no matter what.”

I study her as Beckett says, “Great, sounds like I can still be audacious and annoying.” He gives me a smirk. “No offense.”

I just shrug.

“So, all I have to do is say,you’re mine, as long as I worship her and let her get away with everything after that.” He writes those words on another paper placemat with a green crayon. He nods. “Can do.”

Well, he got the worship part right.

But Astrid shakes her head. “Don’t do that.”

Beckett lifts his head, and I pause with my fork partway to my mouth.

“Don’t worship her?” Beckett asks.

“Don’t just leave her alone.” She pauses. Then shakes her head. “I mean, yes, let her be herself. Let her do her own thing. And if she wants you to leave her alone, of course, do. But…don’t just leave her alone unless shetells youthat’s what she wants.” She stops and frowns. “Talk to her about what matters to her. Ask about it. Be interested inherand why she’s doing what she’s doing, even if it’s away from you.”

“Right.” Beckett’s gaze flickers back and forth between us. “Got it.”

The other guys around the table start giving Beckett advice and telling him how they met and convinced their wives to go out with them.

Zeke tells him about how he crashed his motorcycle in front of his future wife, had a hot one-night stand with her, and then found out she was living next door, so basically just never left her alone again.

“Stalking. Harassment,” Beckett jokes, picking up a red crayon. “Putting those on the list.”

But I barely hear any of it.

All I can focus on aremy wife’swords.

Don’t just leave her alone.

Fuck.

Fuck, fuck, fuck.

Beckett puts down the crayon. “I just need to keep following her around like a puppy and never let her forget how much I want her. Or how charming and hot I am. Piece of cake.”